By Julio Trujillo
 You have to hand it to Ron Artest. This guy really just gets under the skins of many NBA fans. Mr. Artest, exactly who do you think you were prior to your basketball career and when you throw it all away, exactly who do you think you'll be after basketball? It's time to grow up and make your fans, what few of them you have left, proud again. Don't you think?
He's graced the covers of some of the biggest magazines on the newsstands today. Don't you know that the executives of Penthouse, Sports Illustrated and GQ all sold large amounts of magazines just because Artest doesn't know how to behave? When you think about it, it really is disturbing, especially when you visit his website. He boasts about providing the funds for 6 college scholarships and naturally, he is very active with children through his charities, summer camps and general love for children. And why wouldn't he love children? He certainly can relate to them, right down to the temper tantrums.
In the day where celebrities act like drunkards strung out
on drugs in night clubs while divorcing their parents, the general public should demand more from athletes and frankly so should the commissioners who slap them on the wrists with a fat fine and send them to the bench. As commissioner David Stern sternly impressed upon the media in 2004 after the infamous Artest incident, "The line is drawn," Stern said as he referred to the suspension of players for the Indiana Pacers after Artest fought his way into a suspension which carried some of the heaviest of fines. Yes, David, the line was drawn and the chaos has continued but don't feel too bad, it's the norm among professional sports.
In fact, professionals are making such a name for themselves acting out with little self-control that even the college players are getting in on the act. This year in College Football, baby Vick really made his big brother proud when he stomped the leg of another player. He didn't learn this behavior from big brother but he may be under the false assumption that bad behavior is a special prerequisite for making 'a go of being a pro'. And we won't talk about the asinine behavior of T.O. By the way, is he still around?
To add insult to injury, its people like Artest that REALLY needed the break that the NBA gave not only him but his entire family. Artest, now too big for himself has all but forgotten his most humble beginnings. He grew up with two brothers and six sisters, and from his own accounts in his auto-biography on his website, he tells of living in the projects of New York City. Less than seven years ago, he was drafted by the Bulls and a few short years later signed a multi-million dollar deal for a basketball lifestyle brand and gained the kind of money most only dream about. And yes, Artest, considering you started out in the projects, this NBA stuff has been fairly lucrative for you, wouldn't you agree?
Still, in 2004, Artest commanded $6,158,000.00 in salary, but because he apparently has lost the need for money, he lost over 4.9 million because of suspensions. And true, he probably doesn't need the money now but some other well deserving athlete did. Someone who would have been glad to sign autographs, shake hands, smile and do what they are paid to do which is play ball and please crowds.
What's more, when professional players, like Artest, get by with a bad attitude once, they continue to revel in it. For instance, way before Ron Artest became a notorious bad guy, he had another scuffle. Two years prior to his fight on the courts with NBA fans, he grabbed a camera from a television station's crew and destroyed it after a defeat to the Knicks.
Recently, his tantrum hurt only his own plans when he decided he wanted to go to Sacramento and then he didn't want to go, and then he did and then he didn't. In fact, Artest did go because he was made to go, just like a child is made to do something. Here's an innovative idea for the powers that be in professional sports, if you are going to hire oversized kids to play in an adult game, why not send them to a behavioral psychologist before turning them loose on the general public?
On his website Artest says of his time with one of his teams, "At times I felt like I had to lead more...like Michael Jordan." Well darling, I can tell you, you are no Michael Jordan. No, Michael Jordan knew how to act like a gentleman and he knew how fortunate he was. Michael Jordan appreciated what the NBA delivered to him and his family and he never disrespected his game. I really wish Ron Artest, given your talent, were a little more like Mike. And I'm sure your fans do too.
Sadly, I was a huge Ron Artest fan and I cheered him on from my home computer and television. However, with his attitude and the mounting chips on his shoulder, I fear he is at the beginning of the end of his career. However, the housing projects of Sacramento will welcome him back to his similar humble beginnings should he decide to stay there when basketball is no longer an option.
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How To Buy And Sell Sports Memorabilia
By Arnoldo Watson
 Anything that is worth collecting will differ in value because of many different factors. For instance, a Dallas cowboy's jersey may not be of any value whatsoever to a New York Yankees fan.
To maintain the value of many sports memorabilia, the items must have no imperfections whatsoever. No stains, no tears, no wear around the edges, no fading color, no chips, and no missing parts. On the flip side, there are items that are considered of greater value because they were used by the athlete. Avid fans will often go to great lengths to gain access to something an icon touched, wiped their sweat on, inserted their smelly feet into, or got grass stains on during a game.
Plenty of people who aren't sports fans often think the value placed on memorabilia is outrageous and silly. After all, the players are just people and the items are just stuff. However, any small town coach who has seen a player evolve into greatness will beg to differ. This coach will see a person with special talent who deserves a claim to fame and will honor any memorabilia connected to this person. Of course, there are also coaches who try to ride on the coattails who barely knew the person. Those type people will often try to grab some of the spotlight themselves in hopes of building their own worth.
Players make more than just themselves famous. They make items famous that they use on a daily basis, items they special order, companies associated with products they use (even if they don't personally endorse these items). Everything they use, touch, or buy for themselves becomes of interest to the public. Their camping equipment, lawn maintenance equipment, toothbrushes, socks, and so on, will now be of value to someone somewhere.
Zach Johnson won the 2007 Masters Tournament with Titleist golf balls, drivers, irons, and wedges. He wore shoes by Foot Joys, so this brings business to them as well. Now these products will be important to sports enthusiasts.
Of course, there is a downside. Collectors must beware of the dreaded forgeries and fakes. These can be devastating to those who saved their pennies for years and finally reach their goal of owning that special piece to their collection, only to find they'd been duped by some con artist. Fake memorabilia can be extremely profitable as they are hard to spot. A really good con artist can sometimes pass off something to even a seasoned collector as being an original. They have become professionals, perfecting the art, so to speak, of the scam.
An experienced collector can recognize the fake memorabilia upon close scrutiny most of the time. They research and educate themselves, becoming familiar with the signs. They learn how to find the value of an object before they spend their hard-earned money on it. They also learn the value of authentication and grading.
Remember as well that sports memorabilia value can change with the times and the importance to the public of the famous person it is associated with. Just because you had something appraised 10 years ago does not mean it will retain that same value today.
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Looking At Different Kinds Of Pontoon Fishing Boats
By Arnoldo Watson
 When it comes to fishing on the lake or river the ideal platform is the pontoon boat. However, this doesn't mean that all pontoon boats will work for every situation. Before purchasing a pontoon boat you will need to carefully consider the different types of fishing pontoon boats available to you. Some things to consider when making your decision include how far you need to transport the boat, how you are getting your boat into the water and what type of water you are going to be using the boat in for fishing.
Typically there are four main types of pontoon boats to choose from. Each type of fishing pontoon boats come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages. Most pontoon boats have either a powder coated steel or aluminum frame. Many fishermen prefer the aluminum frame due to its weight. Consider each of the four types individually to determine which is right for you and your fishing needs.
The first type is the one-person pontoon boat. This type of fishing pontoon boat has nearly endless styles to choose from. Most have a weight capacity between 250 and 400 pounds depending on the amount of gear you are going to carry. If you plan to carry a lot of gear then you should stay away from the lower weight capacities. It is a good idea to get a pontoon boat with an optional motor mount. If you fish on a lake or river that requires you to carry the boat for a long distance then it is best to consider the aluminum frame which weighs between six to ten pounds under the weight of a steel frame. There is also the option of getting a standing platform for those who prefer casting from a standing position. This type of pontoon boat can be set up in under of fifteen minutes and they have the ability to float in less than five inches of water.
The second type is a two-person pontoon boat. These pontoon boats can be more difficult to put together due to their size and weight so it is best only to get this boat if you plan on having someone with you to help out when you use it. There are a number of options you can add to the two person pontoon boat including dual casting platforms, aluminum frames, front and back motor mounts and a number of storage compartments. The main disadvantages that come with the two person fishing pontoon boats are their size and weight which can make them difficult to carry for long distances.
The third type is the packable pontoon boat, which is best for those who want to walk a long distance with their boat. This type of pontoon boat has a lightweight feature that you don't get even on the single person pontoon boat. The weight is the only advantage of these boats while the lack of options is the biggest disadvantage to consider with this type of pontoon boat.
Finally there is the kick boat, which is basically an upgrade on the float tube. These will help to keep your legs warmer so it is nicer during the fall season. These are lightweight and packable. You can typically fit it within the trunk of a vehicle. However, they can be very tiring to use for a whole day out on the lake.
Your individual preferences as well as the conditions in which you fish will determine which of the above types is right for you. Just be sure to take the time and consider all options to make sure you get the right pontoon boat for your needs.
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